Dumb luck backfires.
A Florida man is facing federal charges after allegedly stealing $7,000 in scratch-off lottery tickets from a convenience store — then returning just hours later to try redeeming them, authorities say.
Justin Farley, 43, reportedly pulled into a St. Petersburg Circle K on May 5, “opened multiple cabinets and took scratch-off lottery tickets,” before fleeing in his grey Hyundai Elantra, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by The Post.
Justin Farley, 43, pulled into a St. Petersburg Circle K on May 5 and “opened multiple cabinets and took scratch-off lottery tickets,” authorities said.
About 40 minutes later, Farley showed up at a nearby 7-Eleven attempting to redeem the $7,000 in stolen tickets, according to a court filing in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
When that failed, the bungling thief returned to the same Circle K and tried to cash in the seven ticket books he had taken. After striking out again, he left — only to return minutes later for a third failed attempt, the document said.
Frustrated, Farley went back to the 7-Eleven wearing a black mask, yellow shirt, and black Nikes. He allegedly pointed a replica Glock at the clerk, demanding the cash register be opened. He made off with $120 and, before leaving, reportedly took a pack of Newport cigarettes from the back of the store.
Farley made several failed attempts to redeem his stolen lottery tickets before escalating to a robbery at a 7-Eleven.
Authorities tracked him down using a combination of his license plate and surveillance footage, pulling him over on May 22 and booking him on commercial burglary and grand theft charges, according to The Independent.
After his arrest, Farley reportedly told police he “needed money,” and admitted to both the Circle K and 7-Eleven robberies during a recorded interview, though it’s unclear if he mentioned his repeated visits to the stores.
While in custody on state charges, Farley was indicted by a Tampa grand jury and federally charged on Tuesday. He now faces one count of interference with commerce by threat or violence under the Hobbs Act, which prohibits robberies affecting interstate or foreign commerce.
The hapless thief also has a lengthy criminal record, including prior convictions for felony drug and firearm possession.
